Which inflorescence type is described as triangular in outline with branches around the main axis?

Which inflorescence type is described as triangular in outline with branches around the main axis?

• A. Panicle
• B. Spike
• C. Umbel
• D. Corymb

Answer: (A)

Understanding inflorescence shapes helps you see how flowers are arranged on a flowering stalk. A panicle is a branched, compound inflorescence where the main axis bears secondary branches, and those branches may have further branching. This multi-level branching around the central axis creates a triangular or pyramid-like outline when you look at the whole inflorescence. In contrast, a spike is unbranched, with flowers directly on the main axis; an umbel has all flower stalks radiating from a single point like an umbrella; and a corymb forms a flat-topped cluster because shorter stalks are beneath longer ones, not because of branching around the main axis. So the described triangular outline with branches around the main axis fits a panicle.

Understanding inflorescence shapes helps you see how flowers are arranged on a flowering stalk. A panicle is a branched, compound inflorescence where the main axis bears secondary branches, and those branches may have further branching. This multi-level branching around the central axis creates a triangular or pyramid-like outline when you look at the whole inflorescence.

In contrast, a spike is unbranched, with flowers directly on the main axis; an umbel has all flower stalks radiating from a single point like an umbrella; and a corymb forms a flat-topped cluster because shorter stalks are beneath longer ones, not because of branching around the main axis. So the described triangular outline with branches around the main axis fits a panicle.